Hair Follicle Drug Testing - Mercerville, NJ

What it is, How it works

Hair testing is now widely recognized as an effective means to detect drug and alcohol usage. It offers a comprehensive history by capturing biomarkers in the strands of hair as they grow. Collected near the scalp, hair can reveal alcohol and drug use for a period of up to three months. Hair is straightforward to gather, hard to tamper with, and simple to send for analysis.

A 1.5-inch segment of about 200 hair strands closest to the scalp produces 100mg of hair, which is optimal for initial and confirmation testing. For EtG, additional, or tests exceeding 10 panels, 150mg is advised. We suggest using a jeweler’s scale for weighing. In the absence of scalp hair, an equivalent quantity of body hair may be used. When we mention head hair, we are specifically indicating scalp hair. Body hair encompasses all other types such as facial or axillary hair.

Process Overview

The four primary steps in processing a laboratory drug test result comprise Accessioning, Screening, Extraction, and Confirmation.

During Accessioning, the sample undergoes initial handling in the laboratory's system. This process includes validating the sample's seal and shipment, assigning a unique LAN (Laboratory Accessioning Number), and preforming any supplementary data entry not included by an electronic chain of custody system.

Screening entails a preliminary assessment for drugs of abuse. Though a cost-efficient method to exclude drug use in the majority of samples, a positive screen must be confirmed to be permissible in legal contexts. Samples deemed presumptively positive during Screening need subsequent verification.

When a sample tests positive during Screening, additional hair is extracted from the original sample and processed for Extraction. This step involves extracting drugs from the hair at lower concentrations compared to methods like urine or oral fluid analysis, which is why hair drug testing is highly complex.

Any positive screening result is confirmed using GC/MS, GC/MS/MS, or LC/MS/MS. All samples with presumptive positives are washed as needed before confirmation. The complete laboratory procedure from Accessioning through Confirmation is audited according to both the CAP (College of American Pathologists) Hair designation and the accreditation requirements outlined by ISO / IEC 17025 standards.

Advantages of hair drug testing:

• Long detection window: Hair drug tests can reveal drug use up to 90 days, unlike urine tests which offer a shorter detection period.
• Difficulty to cheat: It is challenging to deceive a hair drug test, enhancing the accuracy of results.
• Provides historical data: It offers insights into usage patterns over time, beyond just recent drug use.

Limitations:

• Cannot detect recent use: Drugs become detectable in hair about 5-7 days after usage.
• Cost: Generally, hair drug tests incur higher expenses compared to other testing methods.
• Variations in results: Aspects like hair color and personal differences in hair growth can influence drug metabolite concentration in the hair.

Note: Often labeled as "hair follicle tests", the actual test evaluates the hair strand instead of the follicle beneath the scalp.

Why Hair Follicle Testing Beats Urine Testing

In Mercerville, NJ, hair follicle testing surpasses traditional urine tests, offering greater detection accuracy and reliability. Hair tests can trace drug use over a longer period, providing a broader substance use picture.

The comprehensive nature of hair testing reveals long-term substance use habits. Compared to urine tests, which are limited to recent usage, hair tests provide vital insights for better decision-making.

Extended Detection Window

With the capability of detecting substance use for up to 90 days, hair follicle testing offers a substantial detection window in Mercerville, NJ. Employers gain deeper insights into an individual's historical drug use.

This vast detection period is instrumental for businesses focusing on maintaining a drug-free workplace. The comprehensive nature ensures that even infrequent substance use is visible in test results.

Tamper-Resistant Testing Method

Hair follicle tests significantly diminish the likelihood of sample tampering, making them an honest and trustworthy method in Mercerville, NJ. The collection process is observed, further deterring adulteration attempts.

By removing the potential for sample tampering, hair testing delivers authentic results, which are invaluable for employers and law enforcement seeking integrity in drug testing.

Convenient Nationwide Locations

Accredited Drug Testing's expansive network of centers offers convenience at every turn. In Mercerville, NJ, our local and nationwide locations make drug testing services easily accessible.

By emphasizing convenience, we ensure a hassle-free experience for employers and individuals alike. Our widespread presence allows simple access to timely hair testing with minimal disruption.

Simple, Confidential Process

Our process in Mercerville, NJ is straightforward and confidential, ensuring peace of mind during order, collection, and result delivery phases. Privacy is at the forefront, aligning with user needs.

This streamlined approach guarantees that individuals and businesses can confidently engage with our services, secure in the knowledge that their data is handled with the highest discretion.

Affordable, Fast Turnaround

Our hair follicle testing services in Mercerville, NJ are not only cost-effective but also offer swift result turnaround times. Providing exceptional value every step of the way.

Competitive pricing structures make our testing accessible to businesses of all sizes. Combined with fast results, we offer a compelling package for any organization prioritizing workplace safety.

Fast, Accurate, and Reliable Results

The unrivaled speed and precision of hair follicle drug tests make them an ideal choice in Mercerville, NJ. These tests provide a high degree of accuracy in identifying substance use, reducing false positives and negatives.

Hair testing offers rapid results without compromising on accuracy. With meticulous analysis, results are both fast and increasingly reliable, proving essential for employers and legal bodies.

Compliance and Peace of Mind for Employers

Employers in Mercerville, NJ can ensure peace of mind by using hair follicle testing to maintain compliance with drug-free workplace policies, minimizing legal challenges and bolstering workplace safety.

Utilizing this robust testing method supports adherence to regulations and elevates the standard of safety within the office environment, providing a secure atmosphere for all employees.

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